Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arranged a meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom during the Munich Security Conference (MSC). This was reported by the dpa news agency, citing government circles in Berlin three days before the start of the high-level summit.
Government officials characterized the conversation with the prominent Trump opponent as a brief meeting. Merz is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on the opening day of the conference Friday afternoon, focusing on the future of transatlantic relations.
Clash in Munich? Merz to Hold Talks with Newsom
Gavin Newsom is considered one of Donald Trump’s primary adversaries. He leads the most populous and economically powerful U.S. state and is viewed as a potential presidential candidate. The 58-year-old politician represents the progressive wing of the Democrats, having advocated for the abolition of the death penalty and the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Last year, the conflict between Trump and Newsom dominated headlines for weeks after Trump, citing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), deployed the National Guard to California against the Governor’s will. Newsom responded by labeling the President a tyrant and subjecting him to sharp criticism.
Newsom Criticized European Heads of State
At the World Economic Forum in Davos this past January, the Governor addressed criticism toward European heads of state and government: “I can’t take the complicity anymore, the way people are folding,” Newsom stated at the time. “I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all these state leaders.” The Californian urged: “It is time to stand up, be firm, and show some spine.”
Merz plans to remain in Munich until Saturday. In addition to Newsom, he will hold other discussions—for instance, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A trilateral meeting with Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also planned.
Source: dpa
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